Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for measuring gas permeation through test articles, such as evacuated tubes used for blood sample collection. The apparatus includes first and second sealable chambers, with the collection tube being placed in the first chamber. The apparatus is pressurized, and both chambers are sealed such that each chamber has an identical pressure and isolated from the other chamber. Permeation of gas into the collection tube located in the first chamber is detected as a differential pressure change relative to the second chamber. This change in pressure is recorded and is indicative of the rate of gas transport into the collection tube.

Abstract: The present invention is a non-ideal barrier coating composition and the method for applying the coating composition to substrates. The non-ideal barrier coating is useful for providing an effective barrier against gas permeability in containers and for extending shelf-life of containers, especially plastic evacuated blood collection devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for measuring the shelf life of vacuum actuated tubes for blood sample collection, wherein the method comprises placing a collection tube in an apparatus having a first and a second sealable chamber, pressurizing the apparatus to a value above ambient pressure, and sealing both chambers such that each chamber has an identical pressure and is isolated from the other chamber. Leakage of gas into the collection tube located in the first chamber is detected as a differential pressure change relative to the second chamber. This change in pressure is recorded and is indicative of the rate of gas transport into the collection tube.